Dr. Manoj Datta assumed the charges as the director of Punjab Engineering College Chandigarh. He was welcomed by the faculty and the students of PEC as they were eagerly waiting for his arrival. The welcome ceremony was furthered by Dr.Vijay Kaushal officially introducing him to all present. Dr. Datta thanked everybody and insisted that college affairs should be a collective initiative of all involved. He also stressed upon on more holistic approach towards education and hinted upon certain steps for the betterment of the institution. The faculty and students applanded the vision of their new Director before the ceremony concluded.

Dr. Datta was working as professor of civil engineering at the IIT, Delhi. He held the office of the dean (alumni affairs and international programmes) at the IIT from 2004 to 2007. He is also the India team leader for the project -- Protection of Environment in Asia -- funded by the European Commission.

He has also been associated with the Central Pollution Control Board, the ministry of environment and forests and the ministry of urban development.